# U.S. Route 20

U.S. Route 20 (US 20) holds the distinction of being the longest highway in the United States, stretching approximately 3,365 miles (5,415 km) from the Pacific Northwest to the Northeastern part of the country. The roadway connects the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and passes through 12 states, offering a diverse glimpse into America's landscape, cities, and regional cultures.

## History

The designation of U.S. Route 20 was established in 1926 as part of the original United States Numbered Highway System. Originally, US 20 ended in Yellowstone National Park but was extended to Newport, Oregon, in 1940, thus reaching the Pacific Ocean. Since then, Route 20 has retained its path with minimal realignments and variations.

## Route Description

### Western Terminus

The western terminus of US 20 is located in Newport, Oregon. Here, the highway begins by the Pacific Ocean and moves eastward. Through Oregon, US 20 traverses the Central Oregon and Cascade regions, interacting with picturesque landscapes such as the Cascade Mountains and several national forests, making this stretch a popular route for nature enthusiasts.

### Across the Great Plains

As US 20 enters Idaho, it serves primarily as an essential link between various small towns and cities, embracing rural areas and agricultural lands. The highway continues this theme as it progresses through the expansive plains of Montana, Nebraska, and Iowa. Each of these states portrays a quintessential part of the American West and Midwest, characterized by vast farmlands, rolling plains, and key urban centers like Sioux City in Iowa.

### The Midwest to the Northeast

Crossing into Illinois, US 20 becomes a critical east-west corridor connecting major cities such as Chicago. As it progresses through the Great Lakes region, including Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, the route provides an important connection between various economic hubs and cultural landmarks of the Midwest. In Pennsylvania, US 20 passes near the shores of Lake Erie, offering scenic views and access to lakeside communities.

### Eastern Terminus

Finally, the highway concludes its extensive journey in Boston, Massachusetts. This eastern terminus marks the transition from the vast expanses of the middle and western U.S. to the densely populated Northeastern corridor. In Massachusetts, US 20 serves not only as a historical pathway but also integrates into the urban environment of Boston, linking its suburbs and providing a critical artery in the local transportation network.

## Cultural and Economic Significance

US 20 not only serves as a significant transcontinental route but also plays a vital role in the economic and cultural exchanges across the regions it connects. This highway is instrumental in linking remote and rural areas with major metropolitan regions, facilitating trade, tourism, and inter-state connectivity.

The route also captures the evolution of American transportation and the broader historical shifts from trails and local roads to major highways. Along US 20, one can explore numerous historic sites, national parks, and landscapes that define the American spirit—from the entrepreneurial energy of Chicago to the quiet, scenic landscapes of the West.

## Conclusion

U.S. Route 20 exemplifies a quintessential American roadway, offering an extensive and varied narrative of the United States’ geographical diversity, historical significance, and economic development. Its long reach and continued importance underscore its role as not just a road but as a lifeline connecting multiple faces of the American experience.